Chemistry Department
Standard Operating Procedure
Title: Oxidizing Chemicals
Oxidizing chemicals are materials that spontaneously evolve oxygen at room
temperature or with slight heating or promote combustion. This class of chemicals includes
peroxides, chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, and permanganates. Strong oxidizers are
capable of forming explosive mixtures when mixed with combustible, organic or easily
oxidized materials. Examples of strong oxidizers are listed at the end of this SOP.
Decontamination procedures
Personnel: Wash hands and arms with soap and water immediately after handling
oxidizing chemicals.
Area: Carefully clean work area after use. Paper towels or similar materials
contaminated with strong oxidizing chemicals may pose a fire risk.
Emergency procedure
Emergency procedures which address response actions to fires, explosions, spills,
injury to staff, or the development of sign and symptom of overexposure must be developed
The procedures should address as a minimum the following:
Who to contact: (University police, and Office of Environmental Health and Safety,
Principal investigator of the laboratory including evening phone number)
The location of all safety equipment (showers, spill equipment, eye wash, fire
extinguishers, etc.)
The method used to alert personnel in nearby areas of potential hazards
Special first aid treatment required by the type of oxidizing chemicals material(s)
handled in the laboratory
Developed on
2/18/2016
Developed by
Gary Johnson
July, 2002
Chemistry Department
Standard Operating Procedure
Eye protection
Eye protection in the form of safety glasses must be worn at all times when handling
oxidizing chemicals. Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate
protection. (Contrary to popular opinion these glasses cannot pass the rigorous test for
industrial safety glasses.) Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the
Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z.87. 1 1989)
and must be equipped with side shields. Safety glasses with side shields do not provide
adequate protection from splashes; therefore, when the potential for splash hazard exists
other eye protection and/or face protection must be worn.
Eyewash
Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to oxidizing chemicals, suitable
facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the
work area for immediate emergency use. Bottle type eyewash stations are not acceptable.
Fume hood
The use of certain concentrations of perchloric acid must be performed in a fume hood
equipped with wash down facilities. Such a hood is available in Fulmer 219.
Gloves
Gloves should be worn when handling oxidizing chemicals. Disposable latex or nitrile
gloves provide adequate protection against accidental hand contact with small quantities of
most laboratory chemicals. Lab workers should contact EHS or the chemistry department
storeroom for advice on chemical resistant glove selection when direct or prolonged contact
with hazardous chemicals is anticipated.
Developed on
2/18/2016
Developed by
Gary Johnson
July, 2002
Chemistry Department
Standard Operating Procedure
Hazard assessment
Hazard assessment should address proper use and handling techniques, fire safety,
storage, and waste disposal issues.
Notification
You should notify the chemistry department storeroom prior to the initial use of
perchloric acid to arrange access to the perchloric acid hood.
Protective apparel
Lab coats, closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing should be worn when handling
oxidizing chemicals. Additional protective clothing should be worn if the possibility of skin
contact is likely.
Safety shielding
Safety shielding is required any time there is a risk of explosion, splash hazard or a
highly exothermic reaction. All manipulations of oxidizing chemicals that pose this risk
should occur in a fume hood with the sash in the lowest feasible position. Portable shields,
which provide protection to all laboratory occupants are acceptable.
Safety shower
A safety or drench shower should be available in a nearby location where the oxidizing
chemicals are used.
Signs and labels
Containers: All oxidizing chemicals must be clearly labeled with the correct chemical
name. Handwritten labels are acceptable; chemical formulas and structural formulas are
not acceptable.
Developed on
2/18/2016
Developed by
Gary Johnson
July, 2002
Chemistry Department
Standard Operating Procedure
Special storage
Oxidizers should be stored in a cool and dry location. Keep oxidizers segregated from
all other chemicals in the laboratory. Minimize the quantities of strong oxidizers stored in
the laboratory.
Never return excess chemicals to the original container. Small amounts of impurities
may be introduced into the container which may cause a fire or explosion.
Special ventilation
The use of certain concentrations of perchloric acid must be performed in a fume hood
equipped with wash down facilities. Such a hood is available in Fulmer 219.
Spill response
Anticipate spills by having the appropriate clean up equipment on hand. The appropriate
clean up supplies can be determined by consulting the material safety data sheet. This
should occur prior to the use of any oxidizing chemicals. Spill control materials for oxidizers
are designed to be inert and will not react with the reagent. Never use paper towels or other
inappropriate combustible materials. The waste materials generated during spill cleanup
may pose a flammability risk and should not remain in the laboratory overnight unless it is
stored in an appropriate container.
In the event of a spill. Alert personnel in the area that a spill has occurred. Do not
attempt to handle a large spill of oxidizing chemicals. Vacate the laboratory immediately
and call for assistance.
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Office of Environmental Health & Safety 335-3041 or 911
University Police 911
This is a 24 hour service.
Remain on the scene, but at a safe distance, to receive and direct safety personnel
when they arrive.
Developed on
2/18/2016
Developed by
Gary Johnson
July, 2002
Chemistry Department
Standard Operating Procedure
Vacuum protection
Evacuated glassware can implode and eject flying glass, and splattered chemicals.
Vacuum work involving oxidizing chemicals must be conducted in a fume hood, glove box
or isolated in an acceptable manner.
Mechanical vacuum pumps must be protected using cold traps and, where appropriate,
filtered to prevent particulate release. The exhaust for the pumps must be vented into an
exhaust hood.
Waste disposal
All materials contaminated with oxidizing chemicals pose a fire hazard and should be
disposed of as hazardous waste. Contact the chemistry department storeroom to dispose
of wastes. See the Waste Disposal SOP for collection, storing, submitting and labeling
instructions.
Examples of Strong Oxidizers
Ammonium perchlorate
Barium peroxide
Calcium chlorate
Chlorine trifluoride
Chromic acid
Fluorine
Magnesium peroxide
Perchloric acid
Potassium chlorate
Propyl nitrate
Sodium chlorite
Sodium peroxide
Ammonium permanganate
Bromine
Calcium hypochlorite
Chromium anhydride
Dibenzoyl peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide
Nitrogen trioxide
Potassium bromate
Potassium peroxide
Sodium chlorate
Sodium perchlorate
Source: CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 3rd edition.
Developed on
2/18/2016
Developed by
Gary Johnson
July, 2002